The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is making available for public comment a petition from Texas A&M University (Texas A&M) seeking deregulation of a cotton variety genetically engineered (GE) to produce low-levels of gossypol in its seed compared to other conventional cotton varieties. Cottonseed meal is a by-product of cotton and commonly used in food and feed. However, its use is limited because certain levels of gossypol are toxic.

The petition will be available for public review and comment for 60 days starting December 5, 2017.